Abstract
This article analyses how the Inter‐American System for the protection of human rights has used ILO standards as a reference on matters relating to freedom of association and the rights of indigenous peoples. Having established the limits to their use, the authors also analyse how these standards have influenced recent Inter‐American jurisprudence in relation to certain economic, social and cultural rights. They argue that such cross‐referencing is both desirable and useful, since it allows the Inter‐American bodies to base their arguments on the interpretation of specialized authorities, thereby reinforcing the credibility, normative legitimacy and universality of their decisions.